Salivary bioassay for early detection of bone loss

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods to detect and diagnose osteoporosis and periodontal disease using salivary biomarkers.

1. A method of detecting and treating early-stage periodontal bone loss in a patient comprising: collecting a sample of saliva from a patient; measuring the level of MIP 1α in the sample; determining whether the level of MIP 1α present in the sample is indicative of early stage periodontal bone loss; and treating the patient for early-stage periodontal bone loss. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein a level of MIP 1α greater than about 200 pg/ml is indicative of early stage periodontal bone loss. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein a level of MIP 1α from about 200 pg/ml to about 2000 pg/ml is indicative of early stage periodontal bone loss. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein a level of MIP 1α from about 500 pg/ml to about 1,500 pg/ml is indicative of early stage periodontal bone loss. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein a level of MIP 1α from about 750 pg/ml to about 1,250 pg/ml is indicative of early stage periodontal bone loss. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the MIP 1α is identified prior to radiographic evidence of bone loss. 
     
     
       7. A method of detecting and treating increased periodontal pocket depth in a patient comprising: collecting a sample of saliva from a patient; measuring the level of MIP 1α in the sample; determining whether the level of MIP 1α present in the sample is indicative of increased periodontal pocket depth; and treating the patient for increased periodontal pocket depth. 
     
     
       8. A method of detecting and treating osteoporosis in a patient comprising: collecting a sample of saliva from a patient; measuring the level of MIP 1α in the sample; determining whether the level of MIP 1α present in the sample is indicative of osteoporosis; and treating the patient for osteoporosis. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8  wherein a level of MIP 1α greater than about 200 pg/ml is indicative of osteoporosis. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 8  wherein a level of MIP 1α greater than about 400 pg/ml is indicative of osteoporosis. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 8  wherein a level of MIP 1α greater than about 600 pg/ml is indicative of osteoporosis. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 8  wherein a level of MIP 1α greater than about 800 pg/ml is indicative of osteoporosis. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 8  wherein a level of MIP 1α from about 200 pg/ml to about 2000 pg/ml is indicative of osteoporosis. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 8  wherein a level of MIP 1α from about 500 pg/ml to about 1,500 pg/ml is indicative of osteoporosis. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 8  wherein a level of MIP 1α greater from about 750 pg/ml to about 1,250 pg/ml is indicative of osteoporosis. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the MIP 1α biomarker is identified prior to radiographic evidence of bone loss.